Sometimes appetizers are the only reason we agree to go to parties. We’ve rounded up 20 of these party-starters that are so good, you’ll conveniently forget that dinner was ever supposed to be a thing. Perfect for those evenings when you’re supposed to save room for something else, but your willpower takes one look at these appetizers and says, “Nah, we’re good.”
Loaded Zucchini Boats
Next up, we have the Loaded Zucchini Boats, a perfect pick for anyone looking to make their appetizer the star of the show. With just 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes in the oven, you get a dish that’s loaded with flavors from bacon, cheese, and sour cream. It’s the kind of starter that makes you think twice about saving room for the main course. Just garnish with some fresh herbs, and you’ve got an appetizer that might just become the main attraction.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Get ready for an appetizer that’s simple yet impressive: Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts. With just an hour of your time, you can create these bite-sized treats by wrapping water chestnuts in bacon and giving them a good bake. Serve them up with a homemade sauce that’s a rich combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and ketchup. They’re so packed with flavor, your guests might linger over these little gems a bit longer than expected.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Get ready to meet a dish that’s a snap to make and hard to resist: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. All it takes is 10 minutes to get everything prepped, and about 15 minutes in the oven. You’ll end up with a dozen baked tomatoes that are so good, they might just make you forget about dinner altogether. With a combination of melted Parmesan and mozzarella on top of ripe Roma tomatoes, this appetizer is a great way to kick off any meal. Plus, it’s a gluten-free option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Just bake until bubbly, give them a quick broil to get that golden top, and you’ve got a side dish that might just take center stage.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Looking for a great appetizer that’s easy and will keep your guests happy? Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are your answer. Cut up some potatoes, toss them in Parmesan, and bake until they’re crisp and golden. Feel free to add a little rosemary or garlic for extra flavor. They’ll be ready in under an hour, and you can even prep them ahead to save time. Serve these potatoes hot, and they might just overshadow the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip
Here’s an appetizer that packs a punch: the Jalapeño Cranberry Dip. It’s a mix of spicy and sweet that’ll have everyone reaching for more. You’ll need to set aside 2 hours and 15 minutes to whip this up, but once it’s ready, you’ll see why it’s worth the wait. This dip is a great choice for those who want to skip straight to the good stuff. Just grab some crackers and veggies, and watch it disappear before dinner even hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip
Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
Looking for something that’s quick to put together but still makes a statement? The Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer is your answer. Just top some crisp cucumber slices with marinated shrimp and a scoop of guacamole. This dish is all about fresh flavors, and it’s ready in about 25 minutes. It’s the sort of appetizer that’s so good that you might just consider skipping the main course and diving into seconds of this instead.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
When you’re in the mood for something that’s both quick and packed with flavor, the Taco Dip with Cream Cheese is a great go-to. In just 15 minutes, you can layer a creamy base of cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and shredded cheese. This dip is not only easy to put together but also a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or fresh veggies. It’s so good, you might just call it a night before the main dish makes its entrance.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
Whipped Feta with Honey Dip
Here’s a quick fix for when you need an appetizer that’s a crowd-pleaser: Whipped Feta with Honey Dip. This one’s a mix of feta, cream cheese, olive oil, and a hint of lemon zest. It’s the kind of dip that’ll have everyone gathered around the table, waiting for their turn with the spreader. Add a drizzle of honey right before serving for that perfect touch of sweetness. It goes great with a variety of dippers, so bring out the crackers, pita, or fresh veggies and watch it become the center of attention.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta with Honey Dip
Halloumi Fries
Halloumi Fries are a great choice when you want something a bit different for your appetizer. Cut the Halloumi into strips, toss them with flour and spices, and bake until they’re nice and crispy. You’ll have these fries done in 25 minutes, ready to dip into your sauce of choice.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Check out these Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms if you’re after an appetizer that’s sure to be a hit. Stuff those mushroom caps with a hearty sausage and cheese mix, bake them, and you’ve got yourself a dish that’s ready in less than an hour. Plus, you can prep the stuffing ahead of time and just pop them in the oven when you’re ready. They’re so good that your main course might just have to wait.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Get your hands on these Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese, and you’ve got yourself an appetizer that’s as easy as it gets. Roll up some ground Italian sausage with cheese, cream cheese, and a few pantry staples, and toss them in the oven. You can serve these up in just 30 minutes. If you want to add a touch of green, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top right before serving. Watch out, main course — these appetizers might just take center stage.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Chili Cheese Dip
Now, for a real party starter, you can’t go wrong with Chili Cheese Dip. It’s a simple mix of cheese, spices, salsa, and chili that comes together in half an hour. Top it with some fresh green onions or cilantro, and you’ve got a dip that’s perfect for scooping with chips or veggies. This dip is so packed with flavor, you might not even get to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip
Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip
If you’re looking for an appetizer with a creamy texture and a bit of heat, Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip is the way to go. Mix sour cream with veggies and a blend of cheeses, and you’ve got yourself a dip that’s as good as it is easy to make. It’s packed with the flavors of artichokes, spinach, and jalapeños, and it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it up with chips or sliced veggies, and watch as it steals the show from the main course.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip
Zucchini Bites
For a quick and easy appetizer, give these Zucchini Bites a try. Just mix some zucchini with cheese and Italian seasoning, bake them, and you’ve got a snack that’s perfect for any get-together. You can dip them in marinara or sour cream, and if you like things a bit spicier, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes. These bites are so fresh and crispy, they might just overshadow the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites
Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers
These Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers are the perfect way to grab your guests’ attention. You stuff the mini peppers with cream cheese, wrap them in bacon, and bake. In just 45 minutes, you’ve got an appetizer that looks as good as it tastes. The best part? You can prepare them in advance and just heat them up when it’s time to serve. These little bites are so good, they might just be the highlight of the night.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats
These Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats are a fresh, quick appetizer you can whip up in a snap – we’re talking 10 minutes, tops. Slice up some cucumbers, scoop out the seeds, and spread on a mix of tuna and cream cheese. Add a little seasoning, some coconut aminos, and a dash of hot sauce for that kick, and you’re all set. These boats are so flavorful, they might just upstage your main dish.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Mix up some chicken with bacon, cheese, and spices, bake them, and you’ve got yourself some poppers that are perfect for snacking. Give them a splash of ranch dressing for that extra flavor. They’re ready in about an hour, but if you’re looking to save time, you can prep them in advance. Trust me, these poppers are so good, folks might just forget all about waiting for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
Transform a breakfast staple into fun sliders in just 30 minutes. For this recipe, layer sliced hard-boiled eggs, bacon, cheese, and avocado. Perfect for brunches or casual gatherings, serve them skewered with a toothpick. Easy, delicious, and always a fun addition to your appetizer menu.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats
For a quick appetizer, give these Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats a shot. You just load up cucumber halves with bacon, avocado, and tomatoes, and sprinkle on some Everything Bagel seasoning for that extra punch. Lay them out on a bed of fresh greens to catch the eye, or toss in some shredded chicken if you’re looking for more protein. With all the fresh ingredients packed into these boats, they’re so good that the main course might just become an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats
Cucumber Tomato Bites
Start your meal off with these Cucumber Tomato Bites, and you’ll see why they’re a hit. Just top cucumber slices with a mix of cream cheese and pop a cherry tomato on each. They’re ready in no time — just 15 minutes. Remember to put these together right before you’re ready to serve to keep that crunch. These bites are so refreshing, they might just be all you need.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites